In Pursuit of Wild & Rugged!

Main menu

Post navigation

Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness

Serena and I went to the Desolation Wilderness along the crest of the Sierra Mountains for a one night backpacking trip. The 63,690 acre wilderness area is near Lake Tahoe and is characterized by rocky basins, granite peaks, and dozens of lovely alpine lakes.

Serena and me at the start of the hike at Echo Lake

We hiked in 6.1 miles from Echo Lake to Lake Aloha Friday evening and set up camp along the granite shoreline. We awoke to a spectacular sunrise with a near perfect reflection on the placid waters of Lake Aloha.

Crystal Mountains reflecting in Lake Aloha at Sunrise

Our campsite in the morning

Lake Aloha and the Crystal Mountains

On the way back we made a loop detour to gorgeous Lake of the Woods before returning back on the main trail to Echo Lakes.

Lake of the Woods in the morning

Me at Lake of the Woods

We both greatly enjoyed this overnight and plan on returning to Desolation Wilderness in the future for more exploration.